An Indian Royal Fabergé Cloisonné Enameled Gilt Silver Horse-Form Handled Kovsh Fabergé, Attributed to Feodor Rückert, Moscow, 1908-1917, with scratched inventory number 14151 6-1/8 x 11-1/8 x 6-1/2 inches (15.6 x 28.3 x 16.5 cm) 1160 grams PROVENANCE: Ganga Singh, Maharajah of Bikaner, purchased at the Fabergé London branch on July 1, 1911, for 41 guineas; Sotheby's New York, Fabergé, Russian Works of Art, Objects of Vertu and Silver, June 16, 1988, lot 401; An important California private collection, acquired from the above; John Atzbach Antiques, Bellevue, Washington, acquired from the above; Acquired from the above by the present owner. ILLUSTRATED: Hill, Gerard, Fabergé and the Russian Master Goldsmiths, New York, 1989, illus. no. 182. This exceptional kovsh by Feodor Rückert for Fabergé Moscow circa 1910, is unusual with its horse-form silhouetted handle and allover decoration. It is a unique interpretation of the "Old Russian" style in which Rückert lends an art nouveau feel to the whirling lilies that decorate the sides of this traditionally shaped vessel. Research has revealed that the piece was shipped abroad for sale, and was purchased by H.H. Ganga Singh, the Maharajah of Bikaner, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, GBE, KCB, GCStJ, from the London branch of Fabergé on July 1, 1911 at a cost of 41 guineas. Born in Bikaner in 1880, Ganga Singh assumed the powers of Maharaja of Bikaner on 16 December, 1898, and reigned until his death in 1943. Educated privately and at Mayo College, Ajmer, he studied further with Sir Brian Egerton (British, 1857-1914) until 1894. (c.f. Rao, C.H. The Indian Biographical Dictionary, Delhi, 1915, p, 138.), ultimately attending military school. After earning distinction during the Boxer Rebellion of 1901, he caught the attention of Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy of India, leading to an invitation to Edward VII's coronation, where he developed a fondness for London. Singh likely became acquainted with Fabergé during this time, making frequent purchases. He was appointed as an honorary aide-de-camp to the future King George V, a position he held until the king's death in 1936. The Maharajah was a noted military and diplomatic figure, representing India at the Imperial War Conference of 1917, the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, and the League of Nations in 1924. He died on February 2nd, 1943, and was succeeded by his son, Sadul Singh, the last regnant Maharajah of Bikaner. Heritage Auctions is grateful to Valentin Skurlov and Dmitry Krivoshey for their assistance in the research of this lot. Masterpieces of Russian Enamel from an Important American Collection HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved